It is always a pleasure to open this feature with some thoughts from a New-to-Me author and today's guest is just that!
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| Carolyn Eichelman, is the photographer ©2015 |
Dr.
Fred Eichelman is a retired Virginia public school teacher whose career spanned
four decades. He is a graduate of Bridgewater College, with a Master of
Education degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctor of Social Studies
Education degree awarded by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University. Dr. Eichelman is the author of three history and government
textbooks and a science fiction novel, Valerie in Giantland. He has
written for several print magazines and has served as a book and film reviewer.
He is on the board of directors for Point North † Outreach Ministries and
editor of its publication, Point North † Tidings.
Connect with Fred on Facebook!
Now let's see what Fred has for us to think about.....
Recently we heard a pastor challenge his congregation with a
question. “What is it to have a mission as a Christian?” He went on to mention
that the term is used rather loosely; even a fast-food place will say they have
a mission to serve the best burgers. It got us to thinking that while we do
think we have a mission in life, what does that really mean? It is supposed to
represent our vision, but that vision should be aligned with God's Vision for
it to be valid.
We may think our mission should be family. Or to be
outstanding in our life's work. It may mean being a good friend. It can also
involve what we do for our church. All these are noble goals, but are they our
real mission in life?
If our vision is to be God's, it must stress God's Word and
evangelism. What we do and what we say should be a witness to our faith. When
there is an opportunity to witness our faith by action or word, do we take
advantage of the opportunity?
We have a great deal left to do in understanding and sharing
God's Vision. That mission was given us by Jesus Christ in The Great
Commission.
-Fred R. Eichelman, Ed.D.
Discover a hidden, heartwarming side of Hollywood and politics you never knew existed.
Faith, Family, Film: A Teacher’s Trek describes the worlds of entertainment, literature, and politics as experienced by the author during his lifetime. Dr. Eichelman reveals how films and television programs influenced his growing up, his teaching career, and his Christian ministry by reflecting upon the beautiful souls who throughout their storied careers have touched numerous lives, not just his own. His anecdotes feature such personalities as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor, Jimmy Stewart, Rhonda Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Andy Griffith, several Star Trek cast members, and many more celebrities well into the twenty-first century. The introduction by actress, producer, and motivational speaker Nancy Stafford promises that Dr. Eichelman will take you “where no man has gone before,” a promise that he delivers upon in charming, “come in and set a spell” Southern storyteller fashion.
BUY & TBR LINKS
NOTE – The Kindle Edition Will Be Free Worldwide During This Tour
EXCERPT
One night there was a late phone call from Doc Jones. “Al, Ann, I need a favor. I am taking care of too many sick animals right now, and I have a man here with a pair of dogs he brought from Germany. Rex and Regina. Never seen anything like them. Regina is about to deliver; could you two come over here?”
Of course my parents agreed.
To their surprise they found the dog owner to be Pulitzer Prize–winning author Louis Bromfield. His home was originally in Mansfield, Ohio, but he also had a home in Hollywood, California, and until recently one in Paris, where he had lived a few years. My parents were very familiar with Bromfield, as his books were widely read, and two were made into successful films, The Rains Came and Mrs. Parkington. Bromfield had recently been in Germany and had seen a new breed, Boxers. Boxers were the result of the interbreeding of Bullmastiffs and English Bulldogs and were considered perfect working dogs.
At that time Adolph Hitler was taking control of the German government, and Bromfield knew that if he didn’t bring these dogs to America quickly, he might not get another opportunity.
Al and Ann were happy to help out, and Louis Bromfield was especially pleased that my mother had read several of his books and was a fan. It was a perfect delivery of puppies and he thanked them profusely. Then Bromfield said, “Take your pick of the puppies.” Surprised as they were, they did not hesitate, and four weeks later a female puppy was delivered to their home.
GIVEAWAY PRIZES
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ONLY: 1 autographed copy of Faith, Family, Film
INTERNATIONAL:
5 digital autographed photographs of one or more celebrities (5 winners)
and I hope to see you Saturday for our Spotlight on Karen McCoullough. Remember to check out Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight each week!
Until next time, take care and God Bless!
PamT
12 comments:
Thanks, Pam, for introducing us to this very interesting man. Enjoyed the post.
Thanks indeed! I always enjoy meeting new authors and a fellow teacher, too. Best wishes, Fred.
This sounds like a very interesting read. Having grown up in Southern California, I had no idea that a heartwarming side of the business existed. Best of luck!
Thank you, Dr., for sharing your vision of "mission". It's a good reminder of faith. I hope your book does well. Cheers
You really made me thing about how I am living my mission. It sounds like you've led a very interesting life and I can't wait to read more of it. Thanks for sharing this, Pam! Best wishes in all you do, Dr. Eichelman!
You always have such interesting guests. This one is, by no means, an exception! Enjoyed the post.
Thanks Everyone for stopping by.
I hope Dr. Eichleman gets a chance to drop in and address your comments, but if not, please know I APPRECIATE you ALL more than words can express.
PamT
What a cool story! I'll bet your parents enjoyed telling that one. (I would!) I often wonder exactly what it means (in the context of my life) to have a mission as a Christian. I think it means, at least in part, to try to act as God's/Christ's hands, arms and voice in our everyday lives. I try, but I often fall short. Exmaple: In my day job when a cranky customer calls and reams me out for something I can't control, it's so hard to think of that person as a child of God, that he or she might be having a really bad day (aside from the purpose for the call). Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don't. Thanks for the great question.
What a fascinating story! Just looking at the photo of your office, one can see the journey your life has taken. Good luck with your future adventures. And thanks for hosting, Pam!
Thanks so much, Pam and everyone, for welcoming Fred on your blog! I will be sure to let him know that he has some "work" to do here. :)
Best wishes,
Kim Headlee, publisher
Pendragon Cove Press
Stories make us greater.
Enjoyed the post...and your excerpt is so engaging! Best wishes.
Thank you so very much for being part of this blast. Love visiting your blog - Tonya @ My Family's Heart
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